Half Century Trojans

Half Century Trojans Commencement Procession

Who are the Half Century Trojans (HCTs)? We’re a vibrant community of all USC alumni (including bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and professional degree holders) who earned a bachelor’s degree from any college or university at least 50 years ago. As caretakers of USC history and tradition, HCTs are uniquely positioned to promote the Trojan Spirit and strengthen the bonds that connect USC alumni lifelong and worldwide.

Half Century Trojans Hall of Fame Awards & Welcome Brunch

Held during the Fall in conjunction with Alumni Weekend, the Half Century Trojan Hall of Fame Awards & Welcome Brunch welcomes the newest group of Half Century Trojans — the 50 year reunion class — into the community and celebrates remarkable Half Century Trojans into the HCT Hall of Fame. These Half Century Trojans exemplify the ideals of the Trojan Family and have had a significant impact in their fields.

Friday, November 15 | 9:30 – 12:00 PM
Half Century Trojan Hall of Fame Awards & Welcome Brunch  
Location: USC Town & Gown
Price: $85 (until late October when the price increases to $90)
(All Half Century Trojans & Guests Invited)

2024 Honoree Bios

Hall of Fame Awards

Janette Brown ME ’01, EdD ’04

Janette Brown joined the USC Emeriti Center as its executive director in 2005 and served as an assistant vice provost until July 2024. In these roles, she connected the university with the intellectual and cultural capital of the USC retiree community. She managed grants and endowments, and provided a network of resources, educational and creative opportunities for current and retired faculty, staff and students.

During her tenure at the USC Emeriti Center, Janette worked closely with the Office of the Vice Provost for Academic and Faculty Affairs, the Academic Senate, Staff Assembly, Human Resources, the Office of Benefits Administration, ITS and the WorkWell Center, along with other USC schools and units. These partnerships created opportunities for service and learning, retirement transitions, student connections and beyond; she also connected students with intergenerational experiential learning opportunities. In recognition of her exceptional leadership, Janette received the 2019 President’s Award for Staff Achievement.

Janette joined USC in 1995 as a USC Career Center associate director. In this position, she managed an internship office and two grant-funded international programs while teaching an undergraduate course at the USC Rossier School of Education.

Currently, Janette serves as the vice president of the Leo Buscaglia Foundation board. She also serves as research contributor for Renewment, a forum for career women ages 55+, and coordinates travel tips for USC retirees.

Janette earned a second master’s degree, as well as a doctorate, from the USC Rossier School of Education. Her son and daughter are both USC graduates.

Warren Lortie ’66

Warren Lortie is a distinguished alumnus of the USC School of Architecture, where he and graduated in 1966 with a five-year degree in architecture. His professional journey started in parallel with his education, as he worked full-time at Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach as a lead engineer for DC-9 interior equipment.

In 1969, Warren transitioned to working with renowned architect Ed Killingsworth, quickly progressing to project manager. By 1970, he passed the Architectural License Exam and joined Jim Pulliam as project architect for the California State University, Pomona (CSUP) Student Union, overseeing the project’s construction, contractor coordination, and interior design.

In 1974, Warren established his own architectural practice at the historic Granada Building on Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles. Alongside his practice, he taught design classes at CSUP, mentoring students in their second, third, and fifth years. A year later, Warren partnered with a general contractor to design and build office buildings in Huntington Beach. This collaboration led him to obtain his General Contractor’s License in 1977, launching a design-build practice in Orange County. His projects spanned various sectors, including Section 8 housing, office buildings, industrial buildings, an Elks Lodge, a U.S. Post Office, and more.

In 1989, Warren shifted his focus to real estate syndication, specializing in acquiring and managing multi-tenant properties with potential for income and value growth, particularly in the apartment, industrial, and office building sectors. After a successful career, Warren completed a five-year transfer of his investment company to his employees and retired in 2005. He designed and built his dream home on the waterfront in Newport Beach, marking the next phase of his life.

Warren’s dedication to architecture and education continued through his philanthropic efforts. He established an endowed undergraduate scholarship at USC in honor of Thom Mayne and, in 2020, seeded a Guild Scholarship Fund for graduate study in four new master’s programs at USC.

Today, Warren is semi-retired, focusing on managing his personal investments, maintaining his home and property, and traveling the world.

Distinguished Service Award

Wilma Pinder ’62

Wilma Pinder is a former Los Angeles assistant city attorney who served the city as a civil litigator and trial attorney for 30 years, including a 20 year-tenure with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) legal unit.  

Known during her career for being a consummate attorney with an unrelenting style, Pinder brings that same passion to volunteering. A self-described “perpetual cheerleader for USC,” she helped organize her class’s 50th reunion, as well as the USC Women’s Conference, in 2012. She has also served on the boards of the Half Century Trojans, the Alumnae Coordinating Council and Town & Gown of USC. In addition, Wilma is an active member of the Trojan Guild and served on the 2024 USC Alumni Association Transition Task Force.

Although Wilma continues to share her expertise and experience with a wide range of USC organizations, she has made a special impact on the USC Black Alumni Association (BAA). Over the years, she has participated in several BAA events, such as the annual Welcome Pinning and Affirmation Ceremony, and traveled with the alumni group to Cuba and Paris. In 2022, Wilma received BAA’s Kilgore Service Award.

In 2024, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass appointed Wilma to the city’s Board of Water and Power Commissioners. Wilma is also a life fellow of the American Bar Foundation, and frequently speaks to USC and UCLA law students on a number of issues.

Wilma is a proud USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences alumna.


The Half Century Trojan Scholarship Program

Half Century Trojan Scholarship Program recipients

A merit-based scholarship, the Half Century Trojans Endowed Scholarship is awarded to undergraduate students who are direct descendants of Half Century Trojans. Your gift will help ensure that a USC education remains within reach for the children and grandchildren of alumni who want to make USC a family tradition. Roughly 20 $11,000 scholarships are awarded annually.

Contact the USC Dornsife Office of Advancement by calling (213) 740-4990 or visit dornsife.usc.edu/giving to make a donation.

Applicants

The scholarship is open to continuing undergraduate students who are direct descendants of Half Century Trojans. These scholarships can be renewed for the remainder of the recipient’s undergraduate career at USC, based on continued strong academic performance. Scholarship recipients must meet the academic standards adopted by the Half Century Trojans Board of Directors. Scholarship recipients may pursue any academic major in any USC school. Students interested in obtaining more information may visit https://dornsife.usc.edu/css/hct/.

The Selection Process

Selected applicants are invited to interview with the Half Century Trojans Selection Committee. Applicants should provide evidence of academic achievement, leadership, participation in extracurricular activities, work experience and a commitment to community service.

Contribute

Support for the Half Century Trojans Endowed Scholarship Fund can be provided in a variety of forms, including cash, appreciated securities, real estate or other assets. Contributions can also be made through wills, living trusts, charitable gift annuities, or any combination of these devices. Whatever its structure, each gift to the scholarship fund benefits talented students at USC.

To make a gift directly online, please see below Give Now button:

Give Now

If sending contribution via check, please complete and mail  this form  along with a check made out to the USC Half Century Trojan Scholarship, to the following address:

USC Half Century Trojans Scholarship Fund
Epstein Family Alumni Center
3607 Trousdale Parkway, TCC 305
Los Angeles, CA 90089-3106

History

The USCAA Half Century Trojans Scholarships began in Fall 1998 with an award of $2500 to one freshman student. Today we award $11,000 to each scholarship student per year. This year we have 22 undergraduate students each having a relative who graduated from USC at least 50 years ago.

Over the past 22 years HCT has been able to provide scholarship assistance to 113 very worthy students. The Scholarship program is funded by 7 trust funds plus yearly gifts from individuals.

The USC Half Century Trojans appreciate the leadership of dedicated members who have served as Scholarship Chair over the past 25 years.

Words of Appreciation

“I am midway through my junior year here at USC and I am studying International Relations and Legal Studies. I have grown up in a my own little Trojan family, my grandfather Albert graduated from USC with his MBA in the ’70s and my mother Kelly graduated with her bachelor’s degree in Business in the ’90s. I feel very blessed to have been chosen for the HCT Scholarship, and it has alleviated some of the financial burden on my family, allowing me to continue my education at my dream school. I am incredibly grateful to the HCT scholarship committee for this opportunity.”
—Madeline Kelley, Class of  2023 (Dornsife)

“Hi, I’m Blake. I am a second semester junior in the Marshall School of Business with a major in Business Administration and a minor in Cinematic Arts. This is my first year in person at USC and I am really enjoying it. I’m playing on the indoor and beach club volleyball teams and work with Traveler on the field during football games. I’ve also worked hard to make the Dean’s List, just like my grandfather and sister before me. I am incredibly humbled and grateful to have been selected as a Half-Century Trojan scholar. I feel blessed to be part of such an amazing university which has quickly become my second home. Thank you for making my dreams possible!”
—Blake Zingerman, Class of 2023 (Marshall)

“I am a junior majoring in Business Administration and pursuing an emphasis in Finance, and I am actively involved in the Marshall Real Estate Finance Association and my sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta. My half century Trojan connection is through my grandmother, Nancy Whelan, who graduated from USC in 1954. I am so grateful to be a Half Century Trojan Scholar, as it most definitely helps relieve some of the financial burdens of attending USC and allows me to further connect with USC alumni. Thank you again for this amazing opportunity, and Fight On!”
—Katie Scarborough, Class of  2023 (Marshall)

“I am a senior studying Computer Engineering and Computer Science. I come from a huge Trojan family – my grandfather, father, and many aunts, uncles and cousins studied at USC. It is such an honor to be an HCT Scholar, and I am so grateful for the support of this community. From working at Microsoft and Meta (Facebook), to working on incredible research projects and getting involved in a variety of clubs, I have had so many opportunities as an undergraduate at USC. This school is my home away from home, and I am so happy to be here!”
—Isabelle Lau, Class of  2023 (Viterbi)

“I am a sophomore studying Biomedical Engineering. My HCT relative is my grandfather, who earned his M.S. in Mechanical Engineering at USC in the ’60s. I am incredibly grateful for this scholarship, since it gives me the financial freedom to volunteer at a lab in the Department of Otolaryngology. This hands-on research experience is invaluable to me, and I am continually fascinated with the medical optics projects I get to work on.”
—Kate Sweetland, Class of  2024 (Viterbi)

“I am a sophomore from Pasadena, California, majoring in Philosophy, Politics, and Law (Pre-Law) and minoring in Entrepreneurship. I am extremely thankful and honored to have received the Half Century Trojans Scholarship. This scholarship motivates me to continue making a difference and being a man for and with others. Thank you for your generosity and, rest assured, I will be pay it forward. Being the fifteenth person in my family to attend USC, the person who started it all is my grandfather John Aschieris, who graduated from USC in 1958. Thank you again for your generosity and recognition. Fight On!”
—Cicero Aschieris, Class of 2024 (Dornsife)

“I am a sophomore pursuing a dual degree in piano performance and mechanical engineering. I am so grateful for the flexibility to pursue two drastically different fields of study at an elite university. My Trojan connection is through my step-grandfather, who was a proud USC alumnus and graduated with a B.A. in 1956. I am incredibly appreciative of the HCT community for the financial support towards helping me focus on my educational and career goals, and as a scholarship recipient, I plan to give back in the future by contributing to the success of the next generation of Trojans.”
—Michael Groner, Class of 2024 (Thornton)

“I am a junior in Cinema and Media Studies at USC School of Cinematic Arts. My great grandfather, Jerome Lawrence Erlich, attended USC for both undergrad and law school in the 1930’s. I am incredibly grateful for the HCT scholarship because single-handedly it allowed me to pursue the most prestigious film education in the world and for my sister and I to carry on the Trojan tradition.”
—Hunter Cibula, Class of 2023 (SCA)

Half Century Trojans Speaker Series

Join us each Spring to learn from USC’s experts on the resources available today and research being done to provide advancements in the future. In addition to the faculty presentations, HCT will conduct the annual general meeting. Stay tuned for additional details on the 2025 program.

Half Century Trojans Commencement Procession

The University of Southern California and the USC Alumni Association invite the Half Century Trojans to attend the Commencement ceremony and march with fellow Half Century Trojans in the academic procession each year. We are so grateful to have dedicated alumni like yourselves who continue to stay involved with the University and want to celebrate our newest members of the Trojan Family each year. It is a special experience to have everyone together for commencement.

We hope you’ll join us for this annual tradition in 2025.

Still Fighting On!

Photos from the 2023 Half Century Trojans Commencement Procession

Newsletters

Board

Officers

Neil B. Martin ’64, JD ’67*, President

Trish Foley Vick ’67, President-Elect

Jay Berger ’66, MS ’67, PhD ’71*, Past President
Charla Tindall ’67, Recording Secretary
Diana Chipps Jones Geosano ’69, Corresponding Secretary

Chairs

Sara Jane Philippi Bettge ’66, MS ’67, Awards

Charla Tindall ’67, Awards

Don Garner ’66, Bylaws and Policy

Larry Steven Londre ’71, MBA ’74, Events

Diana Chipps Jones Geosano ’69, Events

Sally Jobgen Edwards ’65* Global Outreach

Robert E. Lutz ’68, Global Outreach

Bob Padgett ’67, History

Jay Berger ’66, MS ’67, PhD ’71*, Nominations

Diane Wallace ’69, Scholarship

Sue Bennett ’69, Social Media/Communications

Cinda Lucas ’70, Social Media/Communications

Committee Members

Ilene Abramson ’72, MS ’73
Dan Cassidy ’59**
Jim Childs ’61**
Candy Duncan ’52
Carl N. Everett ’72
Janet Eddy ’53**
Robert Frinier ’63, MBA ’69*
Karen Hackett ’68
Ann Hill ’71, MA ’73
Nancy Schmid Hunt ’72
Gary Iseminger ’69
Laurie Love ’70, EDD ’93
Jim Manos ’54, MS ’59, PhD ’74
Mary Manos ’58
Dan Orr ’71
Terry Pearson ’53, MS ’63**
Patti Poon ’65
Lorna Reed ’58**
Derald Sidler ’67
Sheila Smith ’70
Linda Sutherland ’72
Janet Tonkovich ’64*
Doug Yarrow ’68
Candy Yee ’68, MS ’69

* Past Presidents
** Presidents Emeriti
(Former Half Century Trojan presidents who faithfully served our alumni group for more than five years after their presidential tenure).

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get involved?

There is no formal registration process to become a Half Century Trojan. All USC-degreed alumni automatically become Half Century Trojans once they reach the 50-year anniversary of receiving their undergraduate degree. For more information on becoming involved with Half Century Trojans, please contact the USC Alumni Association at (213) 740-2300 or e-mail.

Can I contribute to Scholarships?

Half Century Trojans strengthen the university’s legacy by sponsoring the Half Century Trojans Scholarship Program, which annually confers scholarships of $10,000 each to a number of direct descendants of Half Century Trojans. The scholarships, open only to continuing USC students, are awarded based on academic achievement, leadership potential and community service. For more information, please contact the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts & Sciences at (213) 740-5930 or visit the scholarship information page.

HCT Event Photo Albums

We are so grateful to have dedicated alumni who come back to USC for different events. Click below to get a glimpse of the incredible memories created.

Still Fighting On!